Message From the Principal
Are we there yet?
The famous cry of every child in the backseat of a car pre-screens days, and the current cry of every child at the end of term (and some of the teachers!)!
Over the last week I have been attending my own professional learning – part of a year long training program run for new principals though AISNSW. The course has focused on being an effective leader, in particular how we focus and manage distractions, and the importance of creating mental space throughout each day to help us be more effective. It was not just helpful fireside advice but based in research. Key findings about the power of mindfulness at work through a range of studies are as follows –
Better task performance
Better decision-making
More creativity and innovation
Better problem solving
Increased satisfaction
Fewer sick days
Improved focus
What struck me is that building into our days moments of rest and stillness is just as relevant in our own family and personal lives as in our work. Simple exercises like taking three deep slow breaths can help physiologically and psychologically refresh us – it doesn’t take much. It also reflects some of the great truths we see in the bible – I think of Psalm 46 where in the midst of the storm and chaos the psalmist says “Be still and know that I am God” – this has been a telling lesson for us all in 2020!
Just as important is being deliberate in the way we use our screens and building in quality time doing the things that energise us. And always, our children are watching us! We are modelling patterns of behaviour, responses to the world and they take those on! If we can’t put our screens down, then what hope have they?
As we head towards the end of the year and everyone is asking “are we there yet?”, it’s these deliberate moments of rest that can help sustain us and help us finish the year well. It can help our children finish the year well. Whilst some folk are into new year resolutions, even more powerful are the almost-at-the-end-of-year resolutions that we forge when we need them! Don’t wait until the new year to build in the moments of stillness that will help make life more sustainable and satisfying!
Prep Blue enjoyed their last borrowing lesson in the library. We loved reading Mister Seahorse by Eric Carle. We then created our own sparkly seahorses. Prep have become awesome library users and were disappointed to find out all their lovely books needed to be returned in week six. 
Junior School students enjoyed the opportunity to watch student and tutor demonstrations of Concert Band instruments as we launch into the application process for the 2021 Concert Band program. The ensemble is open to students in Years 4, 5 and 6 in 2021 and will be directed by Mr Jack Contencin, our current brass tutor. 
KS have loved the flexibility of their outdoor learning area. This week we enjoyed participating in the National Outdoor Classroom. Children dug in the dirt to investigate its properties and wondered if they would ever be taller than our giant sunflowers.
This term, Year 8 Science students have been engaged in learning about Geological changes in our world. In particular, students have investigated the topics of weathering and erosion and seen how Scientists use this information to benefit society. 
Year 12 Farewell Dinner
Kindergarten in the Library
Stage 3 have been exploring world changing events and people. Students worked individually or in a pair to choose a topic, develop research questions and research key information. They then have drafted and published their work. The presentation format was up to them and they have created been some very creative movies, slideshows, dioramas and posters.
